Drogheda aim to frustrate Hoops

DROGHEDA United boss Darius Kearns wants his outfit to put up a challenge to title contenders Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght Stadium tonight.

While Rovers aim to close the gap on the joint league leaders Cork City and Dundalk, Drogheda find themselves at the other end of the table with seven losses in their last eight games.

"Rovers are up there challenging for the title and only six points off the top which tells you that they have a lot of quality and depth at their disposal," says Kearns (above), still in place as United's caretaker manager. "I'm sure Rovers will see this game as a chance to close the gap on the teams above them but confidence is growing within our side with each passing game so we will go there with no fear. If we score first, it becomes a different game and the onus will be on them."

Rovers boss Trevor Crolys said: "Confidence should be high in the team with getting the win last week and defeating Cork earlier in the week in the EA Sports Cup."